Laundry treating apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a flow path selection part disposed in a pump disposed in a laundry treating apparatus. The flow path selection part includes a flow channel body including a drain flow passage having a drain inlet hole in communication with a first inlet and a drain outlet hole in communication with a first outlet defined therein, and a circulation flow passage having a circulation inlet hole in communication with a second inlet and a circulation outlet hole in communication with a second outlet defined therein, and a diaphragm accommodated inside the flow channel body to divide the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage from each other, wherein the diaphragm closes the drain flow passage or closes the circulation flow passage based on a rotation direction of an impeller, and a direction from the drain inlet hole to the drain outlet hole is inclined with an extension direction of the first discharge pipe, and a direction from the circulation inlet hole to the circulation outlet hole is inclined with an extension direction of the second discharge pipe. Thus, a size of the pump itself may be minimized. In addition, during installation, contact with other components is prevented, so that damage to the pump and other components may be prevented as much as possible.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a laundry treating apparatus is a concept including an apparatus for washing laundry, an apparatus for drying the laundry, and an apparatus for performing both the washing and the drying of the laundry.

The laundry treating apparatus is an apparatus that puts clothes, bedding, and the like (hereinafter, referred to as laundry) into a drum to remove contamination from the laundry. The laundry treating apparatus may perform processes such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, drying, and the like. The laundry treating apparatuses may be classified into a top loading type laundry treating apparatus and a front loading type laundry treating apparatus based on a scheme of putting the laundry into the drum.

In one example, the laundry treating apparatus may include a circulation pump for circulating water inside the drum during the washing process and a drain pump for discharging water or wash water generated through the washing process to the outside. Conventionally, it has been common to constitute the pumps for the circulation and the drainage of the water or the wash water of the laundry treating apparatus through separate motors, respectively. In this case, there is a limitation in an installation space, and a plurality of motors are required, so that it is not efficient in terms of cost.

In order to eliminate such inconvenience, in the conventional laundry treating apparatus, roles of the circulation pump and the drain pump are achieved using one motor and an impeller to change a rotation direction of the impeller. However, when the laundry treating apparatus is constructed such that the drainage and the circulation are achieved by changing a flow direction of the water or the washing water, there is a problem in that the water or the wash water flows backwards toward an unwanted flow channel in the circulation process or the drainage process.

Accordingly, U.S. patent Ser. No. 09/689,403 discloses a laundry treating apparatus including a valve for selectively shielding a drain flow passage and a circulation flow passage. However, the above-described laundry treating apparatus has a disadvantage in that a flow resistance is great as the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage have a structure of being inserted into a pump housing. In addition, there is a disadvantage in that shielding is not easy as an entirety of the valve shields the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage. Furthermore, as the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage are arranged in parallel with a discharge pipe of the pump housing, there is a disadvantage in that an overall size of the pump increases.

Therefore, studies for reducing flow resistances of the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage are being actively conducted. In addition, studies on a scheme in which the valve effectively shields the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage are being actively conducted. Furthermore, studies on an arrangement and structures of pump components for minimizing the size of the pump are being actively conducted.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating apparatus including a pump having a flow path selection part so as to simultaneously serve as a circulation pump and a drain pump using one motor and an impeller.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating apparatus including a flow path selection part that may minimize a size of a pump.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of minimizing a flow resistance of a circulation flow passage and a drain flow passage inside a flow path selection part.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating apparatus that may efficiently shield a circulation flow passage and a drain flow passage inside a flow path selection part to increase a pump efficiency.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating apparatus that facilitates deformation of a diaphragm disposed inside a flow path selection part to increase a pump efficiency.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating apparatus that facilitates communication between an exterior of a cabinet and a drain flow passage when a pump is installed in the cabinet.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating apparatus that facilitates communication between a tub and a circulation flow passage when a pump is installed in a cabinet.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating apparatus that prevents damage by a drum by minimizing a height of a pump installed in a cabinet.

Solution to Problem

A flow path selection part connected to a plurality of discharge pipes disposed in a pump housing may be inclined with an extension direction of the discharge pipe to minimize a size of a pump itself.

A shape of a diaphragm disposed inside the flow path selection part may correspond to a shape of the flow path selection part. Accordingly, deformation of the diaphragm may be facilitated to facilitate shielding of one of a circulation flow passage and a drain flow passage disposed inside the flow path selection part. Accordingly, when water is guided to a circulation flow passage, backflow to the drain flow passage may be prevented, thereby preventing water from flowing out of a cabinet. In addition, when water is guided to the drain flow passage, backflow to the circulation flow passage may be prevented, thereby preventing water from flowing into a tub.

In addition, considering a degree of deformation of the diaphragm, shapes of the circulation flow passage and the drain flow passage may vary. Furthermore, the size of the pump may be minimized considering that the pump is installed in the cabinet, thereby efficiently utilizing a space.

Specifically, a laundry treating apparatus may include a cabinet, a tub disposed inside the cabinet to provide a space for storing water therein, a drum disposed to be rotatable inside the tub and accommodating clothes therein, and a drain pump located below the tub, wherein the drain pump discharges water of the tub to the outside of the cabinet or circulates water to the tub.

The drain pump may include a pump housing in communication with the tub to receive water from the tub, wherein the pump housing accommodates an impeller therein, a first discharge pipe extending from the pump housing and defined at a side where water is discharged by rotation of the impeller, a second discharge pipe spaced apart from the first discharge pipe, wherein the second discharge pipe extends from the pump housing and is defined at the side where water is discharged by the rotation of the impeller, and a flow path selection part connected to the first discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe, wherein the flow path selection part is constructed such that water is discharged to the outside of the cabinet or water is circulated to the tub based on a rotation direction of the impeller.

The flow path selection part may include a first inlet in communication with the first discharge pipe, wherein water discharged from the first discharge pipe is introduced into the first inlet, a second inlet in communication with the second discharge pipe, wherein water discharged from the second discharge pipe is introduced into the second inlet, a first outlet in communication with the outside of the cabinet to guide water that has passed through the first inlet to the outside of the cabinet, a second outlet in communication with the tub to guide water that has passed through the second inlet to the tub, a flow channel body including a drain flow passage having a drain inlet hole in communication with the first inlet and a drain outlet hole in communication with the first outlet defined therein, and a circulation flow passage having a circulation inlet hole in communication with the second inlet and a circulation outlet hole in communication with the second outlet defined therein, and a diaphragm accommodated inside the flow channel body to divide the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage from each other, wherein the diaphragm closes the drain flow passage or closes the circulation flow passage based on the rotation direction of the impeller.

A direction from the drain inlet hole to the drain outlet hole may be inclined with an extension direction of the first discharge pipe, and a direction from the circulation inlet hole to the circulation outlet hole may be inclined with an extension direction of the second discharge pipe.

In addition, an extension length of the drain flow passage in the direction from the drain inlet hole to the drain outlet hole may be greater than a diameter of the drain flow passage, and an extension length of the circulation flow passage in the direction from the circulation inlet hole to the circulation outlet hole may be greater than a diameter of the circulation flow passage.

In addition, the drain flow passage may be defined in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first discharge pipe, and the circulation flow passage may be defined in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second discharge pipe.

In addition, a maximum height of the drain inlet hole from an end of the first discharge pipe may be greater than a minimum height of the drain outlet hole from the end of the first discharge pipe, and a maximum height of the circulation inlet hole from an end of the second discharge pipe may be greater than a minimum height of the circulation outlet hole from the end of the second discharge pipe.

In addition, the first discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe may extend in a direction away from a bottom surface of the cabinet, and the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage may be defined in parallel with the bottom surface of the cabinet.

In addition, the drain inlet hole may be spaced apart from the drain outlet hole in a direction in parallel with the bottom surface of the cabinet, and the circulation inlet hole may be spaced apart from the circulation outlet hole in the direction in parallel with the bottom surface of the cabinet.

In addition, the flow channel body may further include a drain closing surface disposed on one surface defining the drain flow passage, wherein the drain closing surface is able to be in contact with the diaphragm when the impeller rotates in one direction, and a circulation closing surface disposed on the other surface defining the circulation flow passage, wherein the circulation closing surface is able to be in contact with the diaphragm when the impeller rotates in the other direction.

In addition, the drain closing surface may be disposed to be inclined in an extension direction of the drain flow passage, and the circulation closing surface may be disposed to be inclined in an extension direction of the circulation flow passage.

In addition, the drain closing surface may be inclined to correspond to a flow direction of water introduced into the drain flow passage, and the circulation closing surface may be inclined to correspond to a flow direction of water introduced into the circulation flow passage.

In addition, the diaphragm may come into contact with an end of the drain closing surface and close the drain flow passage when the impeller rotates in a first direction, and come into contact with an end of the circulation closing surface and close the drain flow passage when the impeller rotates in a second direction.

In addition, the diaphragm may be constructed such that a degree of protrusion deformation toward the drain closing surface in the case where the impeller rotates in said one direction is greater than a degree of protrusion deformation toward the circulation closing surface in the case where the impeller rotates in the other direction, and a distance from a center of the diaphragm to the circulation closing surface in the direction from the drain inlet hole to the drain outlet hole is smaller than a distance from the center of the diaphragm to the drain closing surface in the direction from the drain inlet hole to the drain outlet hole.

In addition, the diaphragm may be constructed such that a degree of protrusion deformation toward the drain closing surface in the case where the impeller rotates in said one direction is smaller than a degree of protrusion deformation toward the circulation closing surface in the case where the impeller rotates in the other direction, and a distance from the center of the diaphragm to the drain closing surface in the direction from the drain inlet hole to the drain outlet hole is smaller than a distance from a center of the diaphragm to the circulation closing surface in the direction from the drain inlet hole to the drain outlet hole.

In addition, a cross-section of the diaphragm may correspond to a cross-section of the flow channel body.

In addition, a length of the diaphragm along an extension direction of the drain flow passage may be greater than a length of the diaphragm along an extension direction of the first discharge pipe.

In addition, the diaphragm may include a first recess defined by being recessed in one surface of the diaphragm facing toward the drain flow passage, and a second recess defined by being recessed in the other surface of the diaphragm facing toward the circulation flow passage.

In addition, the first recess may include a plurality of first recesss spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the first discharge pipe, and the second recess may include a plurality of second recesss spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the second discharge pipe.

In addition, the plurality of first recesss may be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the drain flow passage, and the plurality of second recesss may be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the circulation flow passage.

In addition, the first recess may be defined so as not to be in contact with the drain closing surface, and the second recess may be defined so as not to be in contact with the circulation closing surface.

In addition, the first recess may include a first prevention portion in which recession is prevented, the second recess may include a second prevention portion in which recession is prevented, the first prevention portion may have an inclination corresponding to that of the drain closing surface, and the second prevention portion may have an inclination corresponding to that of the circulation closing surface.

In addition, a location where the first recess is defined in said one surface of the diaphragm may be misaligned from a location where the second recess is defined in the other surface of the diaphragm in a direction away from a center of the diaphragm.

In addition, the diaphragm may include a coupling portion coupled to the flow channel body, and a deformable portion disposed inside the coupling portion and deformable to protrude toward the drain flow passage or the circulation flow passage based on the rotation direction of the impeller, and the flow channel body may include a coupling seating portion recessed along a perimeter of the flow channel body such that the coupling portion may be seated thereon.

In addition, the diaphragm may further include a coupling protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the coupling portion, and the flow channel body may further include a coupling protrusion seating portion recessed at a location outward of the coupling seating portion so as to be coupled with the coupling protrusion

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the laundry treating apparatus in which the internal space is efficiently utilized through the pump having the flow path selection part so as to act as the circulation pump and the drain pump at the same time using one motor and the impeller.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the laundry treating apparatus that prevents contact between the pump, the tub (or the drum), and other components during the washing.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the laundry treating apparatus in which the flow resistance of the water is reduced when the water flows in the flow path selection part, thereby increasing the pump efficiency.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the laundry treating apparatus in which the deformation of the diaphragm that selectively opens and closes the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage is easy.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the laundry treating apparatus that increases the pump efficiency by designing the flow channel body considering the degree of deformation in both directions of the diaphragm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an interior of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing an interior of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a pump coupled to a cabinet of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a pump of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a flow path selection part of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a diaphragm of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a slit defined in a diaphragm of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path selection part for comparison with the flow path selection part of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a drain flow passage of a flow path selection part of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a circulation flow passage of a flow path selection part of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a view showing that water is discharged based on a rotation direction of an impeller of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present laundry disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a view and a graph showing that degrees of deformation of a diaphragm of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are different.

FIG. 14 is a view showing that a drain closing surface and a circulation closing surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are formed differently.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are views showing a pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in various aspects.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings such that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs may easily implement the embodiment.

However, the present disclosure is able to be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiment described herein. In addition, in order to clearly describe the present disclosure, components irrelevant to the description are omitted in the drawings. Further, similar reference numerals are assigned to similar components throughout the specification.

Duplicate descriptions of the same components are omitted herein.

In addition, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being ‘connected to’ or ‘coupled to’ another component herein, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other component, or one or more intervening components may be present. On the other hand, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being ‘directly connected to’ or ‘directly coupled to’ another component herein, there are no other intervening components.

The terminology used in the detailed description is for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the singular forms ‘a’ and ‘an’ are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It should be understood that the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, and ‘including’ when used herein, specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described herein, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, or combinations thereof.

In addition, in this specification, the term ‘and/or’ includes a combination of a plurality of listed items or any of the plurality of listed items. In the present specification, ‘A or B’ may include ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘both A and B’.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an interior of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2 , a laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet 10, a tub 20 disposed inside the cabinet 10 to provide a space in which water is stored, and a drum 30 rotatably disposed inside the tub 20 and accommodating clothes therein,

The laundry treating apparatus 1 may include a washing machine in which a cloth is inserted into a washing tub to be subjected to washing, rinsing, dehydration, and the like, a dryer in which a wet cloth is inserted to be subjected to drying, or the like.

The laundry treating apparatus 1 may be divided into a top load-type apparatus and a front load-type apparatus. FIG. 1 shows the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the front load-type, which is only for convenience of description, and is also applicable to the top load-type washing machines because the present disclosure does not apply only to the front load-type washing machines.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the laundry treating apparatus 1 may include the cabinet 10 that forms an appearance thereof, and a manipulation unit that receives various control commands from a user and has a display (not shown) for displaying information on an operating state. The laundry treating apparatus 1 may include a door 40 pivotably installed on a front surface of the cabinet 10 to allow the laundry to be put into and pulled out of the laundry treating apparatus 1.

The cabinet 10, which forms the appearance of the laundry treating apparatus 1, may have a space defined therein in which various components constituting the laundry treating apparatus 1 may be accommodated. The drum 30 for accommodating therein the laundry input through the door 40 may be installed inside the cabinet 10.

In one example, in the laundry treating apparatus 1, water may be supplied to the tub through a water supply (not shown) in order to perform the washing of the laundry. During the washing process, it may be required to circulate the water inside the drum 30. In addition, it may be required to discharge the wash water to the outside after the washing is completed. In order to efficiently utilize a limited internal space of the laundry treating apparatus 1, a drain pump (as known as a bidirectional pump) that may serve as both a circulation pump and a drain pump at the same time using one motor and an impeller to change a rotation direction of the impeller may be disposed.

Hereinafter, the drain pump will be described based on a pump that may serve as both the circulation pump and the drain pump at the same time using one motor and the impeller to change the rotation direction of the impeller.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing an interior of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a view showing a pump coupled to a cabinet of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a view showing a pump of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described again with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 .

The laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the cabinet 10. The laundry treating apparatus 1 may include the tub 20 disposed inside the cabinet 10. The tub 20 may provide the space in which the water is stored. The laundry treating apparatus 1 may include a drain pump 50 located below the tub 20. The drain pump 50 may be disposed to discharge the water of the tub 20 to the outside of the cabinet 10 or to circulate the water into the tub 20.

The drain pump 50 may include a pump housing 53 that communicates with the tub 20 and into which the water from the tub 20 is introduced. The pump housing 53 may include a pump inlet pipe 5381 connected to the tub 20. The pump inlet pipe 5381 may be connected to a portion below the tub 20 through a tub drainage pipe 75.

One side of the pump inlet pipe 5381 may be opened to be connected to the tub drainage pipe 75. A stopper 5383 may be disposed at the other side of the pump inlet pipe 5381. The stopper 5383 may be opened or closed based on selection of a user. The user may remove foreign substances by removing the stopper 5383.

In addition, the pump housing 53 may include an impeller housing 535 for accommodating an impeller 537 therein. The impeller housing 535 may communicate with the pump inlet pipe 5381. That is, the impeller housing 535 may be connected to the pump inlet pipe 5381 through an impeller inlet pipe (not shown). Accordingly, the water introduced into the pump inlet pipe 5381 from the tub 20 may be guided to the impeller housing 535 through the impeller inlet pipe.

In addition, the impeller inlet pipe may be in communication with the pump inlet pipe 5381 at a location between one side of the pump inlet pipe 5381 and the other side of the pump inlet pipe 5381. That is, the water introduced through the pump inlet pipe 5381 may be introduced into the impeller housing 535 as a path thereof is changed by the impeller inlet pipe. Accordingly, foreign substances contained in the water introduced from the tub 20 may be removed and collected at the other side of the pump inlet pipe 5381. Accordingly, introduction of the foreign substances into the impeller housing 535 may be prevented as much as possible. Furthermore, damage to the impeller 537 may be prevented as much as possible.

In addition, the pump housing 53 may include a motor housing 539. The motor housing 539 may accommodate a motor (not shown) for driving the impeller 537.

The impeller housing 535 may include a first discharge pipe 531 extending from the impeller housing 535 and discharging the water by rotation of the impeller 537. The first discharge pipe 531 defines a first discharge passage. In addition, the impeller housing 535 may include a second discharge pipe 533 through which the water is discharged by the rotation of the impeller 537. The second discharge pipe 533 defines a second discharge passage. The second discharge pipe 533 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first discharge pipe 531. In addition, the first discharge pipe 531 and the second discharge pipe 533 may extend in a direction H in a parallel manner.

In addition, the drain pump 50 may include a flow path selection part 51 connected to the first discharge pipe 531 and the second discharge pipe 533. The flow path selection part 51 may be constructed such that the water is discharged to the outside of the cabinet 10 or the water is circulated to the tub 20 based on a rotation direction of the impeller 537.

For example, when the impeller 537 is rotated clockwise, the water introduced into the impeller housing 535 may be guided to the tub 20. In addition, when the impeller 537 is rotated counterclockwise, the water introduced into the impeller housing 535 may be guided to the outside of the cabinet 10. Conversely, when the impeller 537 is rotated counterclockwise, the water introduced into the impeller housing 535 may be guided to the tub 20. In addition, when the impeller 537 is rotated clockwise, the water introduced into the impeller housing 535 may be guided to the outside of the cabinet 10.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a description will be achieved on the basis of the fact that the water introduced into the impeller housing 535 is guided to the tub 20 when the impeller 537 is rotated clockwise, and the water introduced into the impeller housing 535 is guided to the outside of the cabinet 10 when the impeller 537 is rotated counterclockwise.

The flow path selection part 51 may include a first inlet 513 connected to the first discharge pipe 531. The water discharged from the first discharge pipe 531 may be introduced into the first inlet 513. In addition, the flow path selection part 51 may include a second inlet 515 connected to the second discharge pipe 533. The water discharged from the second discharge pipe 533 may be introduced into the second inlet 515. In addition, the flow path selection part 51 may include a first outlet 517 in communication with the outside of the cabinet 10 to guide the water that has passed through the first inlet 513 to the outside of the cabinet 10. In addition, the flow path selection part 51 may include a second outlet 519 in communication with the tub 20 to guide the water that has passed through the second inlet 515 to the tub 20.

In addition, the flow path selection part 51 may include a flow channel body 511 including a drain flow passage 5111 including a drain inlet hole 5111 a in communication with the first inlet 513 and a drain outlet hole 5111 b in communication with the first outlet 517, and a circulation flow passage 5113 including a circulation inlet hole 5113 a in communication with the second inlet 515 and a circulation outlet hole 5113 b in communication with the second outlet 519.

That is, the first inlet 513 and the second inlet 515 may be connected to one side of the flow channel body 511, and the first outlet 517 and the second outlet 519 may be connected to the other side thereof. Accordingly, the first inlet 513 may extend in a direction from the first discharge pipe 531 toward the second discharge pipe 533. In addition, the first inlet 513 may extend to the flow channel body 511 in a curved manner. Accordingly, the first inlet 513 may minimize a height of the drain pump 50 itself. In addition, the flow channel body 511 may be positioned between the first inlet 513 and the second inlet 515 to minimize a size thereof.

In addition, the second inlet 515 may extend in a direction from the second discharge pipe 533 toward the first discharge pipe 531. In addition, the second inlet 515 may extend to the flow channel body 511 in a curved manner. Accordingly, the second inlet 515 may minimize the height of the drain pump 50 itself. In addition, the flow channel body 511 may be positioned between the first inlet 513 and the second inlet 515 to minimize the size thereof.

Furthermore, the first inlet 513 and the second inlet 515 may be constructed to be symmetrical with respect to the flow channel body 511. Accordingly, the flow path selection part 51 may be easily manufactured. In addition, the flow path selection part 51 may be easily coupled to the first discharge pipe 531 and the second discharge pipe 533.

In addition, the flow channel body 511 may include a diaphragm 60 accommodated in the flow channel body 511. The diaphragm 60 may divide the drain flow passage 5111 and the circulation flow passage 5113 from each other. In addition, the diaphragm 60 may close the drain flow passage 5111 or the circulation flow passage 5113 based on the rotation direction of the impeller 537. That is, the diaphragm 60 may define the drain flow passage 5111 on one side thereof and define the circulation flow passage 5113 on the other side thereof together with an inner surface of the flow channel body 511.

The flow channel body 511 may include a drainage body 511A whose inner surface defines the drain flow passage 5111 together with one surface of the diaphragm 60. In addition, a circulation body 511B that is coupled to the drainage body 511A and has an inner surface defining the circulation flow passage 5113 together with the other surface of the diaphragm 60. The drainage body 511A may be constructed to be symmetrical with the circulation body 511B. Accordingly, the coupling and manufacturing of the drain body part 511A and the circulation body part 511B may be easy.

In one example, in order to efficiently utilize the limited internal space of the laundry treating apparatus 1, it is preferable to make the drain pump 50 smaller. Accordingly, the drain pump 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be constructed such that the flow path selection part 51 is inclined with an extension direction of the discharge pipe.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a flow path selection part of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow path selection part 51 may be constructed to be inclined with the extension direction of the discharge pipe. Specifically, a direction L from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b may be inclined with the direction H in which the first discharge pipe 531 extends. In addition, the direction L from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b may be inclined with the direction H in which the second discharge pipe 533 extends. Accordingly, the direction from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b and the direction in which the first discharge pipe 531 extends may be prevented from being in parallel with each other. In addition, the direction from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b and the direction in which the second discharge pipe 533 extends may be prevented from being in parallel with each other.

That is, the drainage body 511A having the drain inlet hole 5111 a and the drain outlet hole 5111 b defined therein may be inclined to the direction in which the first discharge pipe 531 extends. This may mean that the drain flow passage 5111 extending from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b extends to be inclined to the direction in which the first discharge pipe 531 extends. In addition, the circulation body 511B having the circulation inlet hole 5113 a and the circulation outlet hole 5113 b defined therein may be inclined to the direction in which the second discharge pipe 533 extends. This may mean that the circulation flow passage 5113 extending from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b extends to be inclined to the direction in which the second discharge pipe 533 extends.

Accordingly, the size of the drain pump 50 itself including the flow path selection part 51 may be minimized. When the size of the drain pump 50 itself is minimized, installation and transportation may be easy. In addition, when the size of the drain pump itself is minimized, an arrangement efficiency may be increased when the drain pump 50 and other components are arranged together.

However, when an inclination between the direction from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b and the direction in which the first discharge pipe 531 extends is too large, it may be difficult to manufacture the flow path selection part 51. Furthermore, there may be a problem that a structural rigidity of the flow path selection part 51 is reduced. In addition, when an inclination between the direction from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b and the direction in which the second discharge pipe 533 extends is too large, it may be difficult to manufacture the flow path selection part 51. In addition, there may be a problem that a structural rigidity of the flow path selection part 51 is reduced.

Accordingly, a maximum height of the drain inlet hole 5111 a from an end of the first discharge pipe 531 may be greater than a minimum height of the drain outlet hole 5111 b from the end of the first discharge pipe. That is, the height of the drain inlet hole 5111 a from the end of the first discharge pipe 531 and the height of the drain outlet hole 5111 b from the end of the first discharge pipe 531 may be the same or may be within a certain range. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size of the drain pump itself. In addition, it may be easy to manufacture the flow path selection part 51. Furthermore, the structural rigidity of the flow path selection part 51 may be increased.

It may be preferable that the maximum height of the drain inlet hole 5111 a from the end of the first discharge pipe 531 and a maximum height of the drain outlet hole 5111 b from the end of the first discharge pipe 531 are the same. In this case, a maximum height of the drainage body 511A from the end of the first discharge pipe 531 may be as small as possible, so that the overall size of the drain pump 50 may become smaller. In addition, because the drainage body 511A may be formed in a flat shape, it may be easier to manufacture the drainage body 511A.

In addition, a maximum height of the circulation inlet hole 5113 a from an end of the second discharge pipe 533 may be greater than a minimum height of the circulation outlet hole 5113 b from the end of the second discharge pipe. That is, the height of the circulation inlet hole 5113 a from the end of the second discharge pipe 533 and the height of the circulation outlet hole 5113 b from the end of the second discharge pipe 533 may be the same or may be within a certain range. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size of the drain pump 50 itself. In addition, it may be easy to manufacture the flow path selection part 51. Furthermore, the structural rigidity of the flow path selection part 51 may be increased.

It may be preferable that the maximum height of the circulation inlet hole 5113 a from the end of the second discharge pipe 533 and a maximum height of the circulation outlet hole 5113 b from the end of the second discharge pipe 533 are the same. In this case, a maximum height of the circulation body 511B from the end of the second discharge pipe 533 may be as small as possible, so that the overall size of the drain pump 50 may become smaller. In addition, because the circulation body 511B may be formed in a flat shape, it may be easier to manufacture the circulation body 511B.

In other words, the inclination between the direction from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b and the direction in which the first discharge pipe 531 extends may be 90 degrees. That is, the drain flow passage 5111 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first discharge pipe 531 extends. In addition, the inclination between the direction from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b and the direction in which the second discharge pipe 533 extends may be 90 degrees. That is, the circulation flow passage 5113 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second discharge pipe 533 extends. However, the above-mentioned perpendicular direction and the direction with 90 degrees should be used in a meaning including tolerances in the manufacturing and the installation, not in a strict dictionary meaning.

Accordingly, a separation distance of the flow path selection part 51 from the pump housing 53 may be minimized. Accordingly, it is possible to compactly arrange various components disposed in the drain pump 50. Accordingly, the size of the drain pump 50 itself may be reduced. That is, assuming that the drain pump 50 is put into a box in a shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, a dead space between the box and the drain pump 50 may be reduced as much as possible. That is, a space utilization efficiency of the drain pump 50 itself may be increased.

An extension length in the direction from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b of the drain flow passage 5111 may be larger than a diameter of the drain flow passage 5111. In addition, an extension length in the direction from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a to the circulation outlet hole of the circulation flow passage 5113 may be larger than a diameter of the circulation flow passage 5113. That is, the drainage body 511A must have the drain inlet hole 5111 a and the drain outlet hole 5111 b, so that a length equal to or greater than a predetermined length may be required. In addition, the circulation body 511B must have the circulation inlet hole 5113 a and the circulation outlet hole 5113 b, so that a length equal to or greater than a predetermined length may be required.

The drain flow passage 5111 may extend over a predetermined length, so that a sufficient flow distance of the water may be secured. Accordingly, a flow resistance of the water flowing into the drain flow passage 5111 or flowing out of the drain flow passage 5111 may be reduced as much as possible. When the extension length of the drain flow passage 5111 is small, the water flowed into the drain flow passage 5111 may generate a vortex by collision with the inner surface of the drainage body 511A or the diaphragm 60 defining the drain flow passage 5111. The vortex may have influence on the drain outlet hole 5111 b and the first outlet 517 to reduce a pump efficiency. The influence of the vortex may be reduced within the drain flow passage 5111 secured over the predetermined length. That is, the influence of the vortex on the drain outlet hole 5111 b and the first outlet 517 may be reduced.

The extension length of the drain flow passage 5111 may be determined in consideration of a rotation speed of the impeller 537, a capacity of the drain pump 50, a diameter of the drain inlet hole 5111 a, a diameter of the drain outlet hole 5111 b, and the like.

In addition, the circulation flow passage 5113 may extend over the predetermined length, so that the sufficient flow distance of the water may be secured. Accordingly, a flow resistance of the water flowing into the circulation flow passage 5113 or flowing out of the circulation flow passage 5113 may be reduced as much as possible. When the extension length of the circulation flow passage 5113 is small, the water flowed into the circulation flow passage 5113 may generate a vortex by collision with the inner surface of the circulation body 511B or the diaphragm 60 defining the circulation flow passage 5113. The vortex may have influence on the circulation outlet hole 5113 b and the second outlet 519 to reduce the pump efficiency. The influence of the vortex may be reduced within the circulation flow passage 5113 secured over the predetermined length. That is, the influence of the vortex on the circulation outlet hole 5113 b and the second outlet 519 may be reduced.

The extension length of the circulation flow passage 5113 may be determined in consideration of the rotation speed of the impeller 537, the capacity of the drain pump 50, a diameter of the circulation inlet hole 5113 a, a diameter of the circulation outlet hole 5113 b, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 , because of receiving the water from the tub 20, the drain pump 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed on a bottom surface of the cabinet 10.

Various components for the washing may be installed inside the cabinet 10, and when a drying function is included, more components may be disposed inside the cabinet 10. The plurality of components may be disposed on a bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10 or disposed adjacent the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10 for easy support and placement.

Accordingly, the first discharge pipe 531 may extend in a direction away from the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10. In addition, the second discharge pipe 533 may extend in the direction away from the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10. The direction H in which the first discharge pipe 531 extends may be the same as the direction H away from the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10. In addition, the direction H in which the second discharge pipe 533 extends may be the same as the direction H away from the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10.

Accordingly, the first discharge pipe 531 and the second discharge pipe 533 may be prevented from being in contact with other components disposed on the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10 as much as possible. In addition, coupling of a drainage outlet pipe 73 in communication with the outside of the cabinet 10, a tub circulation pipe 71 in communication with the tub 20, and the drain pump 50 may be facilitated.

The drain flow passage 5111 and the circulation flow passage 5113 may be disposed parallel to the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10. That is, because the first discharge pipe 531 and the second discharge pipe 533 extend in the direction away from the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10, the drain flow passage 5111 and the circulation flow passage 5113 may extend to an empty space defined above the pump housing 53. In addition, a length of the drain pump 50 in the direction away from the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10 may be minimized. Accordingly, contact between the tub positioned above the drain pump 50 and accessory components of the tub 20 resulted from vibration caused by the washing during the washing process may be prevented as much as possible.

The direction L parallel to the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10 may be the same as the direction L from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b. in addition, the direction L parallel to the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10 may be the same as the direction L from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b described above.

Accordingly, damage caused by contact of the drain pump 50 may be prevented as much as possible. In addition, damage due to the contact of the tub 20 and the accessory components of the tub 20 may be prevented as much as possible. Furthermore, as the flow path selection part 51 is disposed in the empty space between the pump housing 53 and the tub 20, a space utilization efficiency of the laundry treating apparatus 1 may be increased.

In addition, the drain inlet hole 5111 a may be spaced apart from the drain outlet hole 5111 b in the direction parallel to the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10. In addition, the circulation inlet hole 5113 a may be spaced apart from the circulation outlet hole 5113 b in the parallel direction. Accordingly, the drain flow passage 5111 may extend from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b in the direction parallel to the bottom surface of the cabinet 10. In addition, the circulation flow passage 5113 may extend from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b in the direction parallel to the bottom surface of the cabinet 10.

Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size of the drain pump 50, so that the interior space of the laundry treating apparatus 1 may be utilized more efficiently. In addition, it is possible to secure the structural rigidity of the flow path selection part 51 while reducing the size of the drain pump 50. Furthermore, because manufacturing of the flow path selection part 51 itself may be easy, manufacturing of the laundry treating apparatus 1 may also be easy.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a flow path selection part of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path selection part for comparison with the flow path selection part of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing a drain flow passage of a flow path selection part of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a circulation flow passage of a flow path selection part of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 9 to 11 , the flow channel body 511 may include a drain closing surface 5111 c disposed on one surface thereof defining the drain flow passage 5111. That is, the drainage body 511A may include the drain closing surface 5111 c. In addition, the diaphragm 60 may be deformed in a protruding manner in both directions based on a direction of a pressure applied to the diaphragm 60.

Accordingly, the drain closing surface 5111 c may be disposed so as to be in contact with one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 when the impeller 537 rotates in one direction C1. The one direction C1 may be the clockwise direction. That is, when the impeller 537 rotates in one direction, the water may be introduced into the second discharge pipe 533. In addition, the water introduced into the second discharge pipe 533 may be guided to the second inlet 515. In addition, the water that has passed through the second inlet 515 may apply pressure to the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60. As a result, one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 may be in contact with the drain closing surface 5111 c to close the drain flow passage 5111. That is, the drain closing surface 5111 c may prevent the water from being guided to the drain outlet hole 5111 b by the diaphragm 60 as much as possible. In addition, the circulation flow passage 5113 defined between an inner peripheral surface of the circulation body 511B and the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 may be opened. The water that has passed through the circulation flow passage 5113 may be supplied to the tub 20 through the second outlet 519 (see FIGS. 12 and 15 ).

That is, when it is necessary to circulate the water in the washing process, the water may be supplied by rotating the impeller 537 in one direction C1. In addition, the inflow of the water to the drain outlet hole 5111 b may be prevented as much as possible by the diaphragm 60, so that the pump efficiency may be maintained high.

In addition, the flow channel body 511 may include a circulation closing surface 5113 c disposed on the other surface thereof defining the circulation flow passage 5113. That is, the circulation body 511B may include the circulation closing surface 5113 c. In addition, the diaphragm 60 may be deformed in the protruding manner in the both directions based on the direction of the pressure applied to the diaphragm 60.

Accordingly, the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be disposed so as to be in contact with the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 when the impeller 537 rotates in the other direction C2. The other direction C2 may be the counterclockwise direction. That is, when the impeller 537 rotates in the other direction, the water may be introduced into the first discharge pipe 531. In addition, the water introduced into the first discharge pipe 531 may be guided to the first inlet 513. In addition, the water that has passed through the first inlet 513 may apply pressure to one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60. As a result, the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 may be in contact with the circulation closing surface 5113 c to close the circulation flow passage 5113. That is, the circulation closing surface 5113 c may prevent the water from being guided to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b by the diaphragm 60 as much as possible. In addition, the drain flow passage 5111 defined between an inner peripheral surface of the drainage body 511A and the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 may be opened. The water that has passed through the drain flow passage 5111 may be supplied to the outside of the cabinet 10 through the first outlet 517 (see FIGS. 12 and 15 ).

That is, when it is necessary to drain the water to the outside of the cabinet 10 in the washing process, the water may be supplied by rotating the impeller 537 in the other direction C2. In addition, the inflow of the water to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b may be prevented as much as possible by the diaphragm 60, so that the pump efficiency may be maintained high.

In one example, referring to FIGS. 6, 9, and 10 again, when a drain closing surface F is formed vertically as shown in FIG. 9 , the water that has passed through the drain inlet hole 5111 a may receive strong flow resistance by the drain closing surface F when the drain flow passage 5111 is opened. In addition, when the drain flow passage 5111 is closed, a contact portion between the drain closing surface 5111 c and the diaphragm 60 is reduced, so that the water may be easily guided to the drain outlet hole 5111 b. Accordingly, the pump efficiency may be reduced.

Accordingly, in the treating laundry apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the drain closing surface 5111 c may be inclined. Accordingly, when the drain flow passage 5111 is opened, the water introduced along the drain inlet hole 5111 a may be smoothly guided to the drain outlet hole 5111 b. That is, the flow resistance of the water flowing through the drain flow passage 5111 may be reduced. In addition, when the drain flow passage 5111 is closed, the contact portion between the diaphragm 60 and the drain closing surface 5111 c is increased, so that the water guided to the drain outlet hole 5111 b may be reduced as much as possible. Accordingly, the pump efficiency may be increased.

In addition, the drain flow passage 5111 may have sufficient extension length such that the drain closing surface 5111 c may be inclined. That is, in the flow channel body 511, the shortest distance from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b may be greater than a sum of the diameter of the drain inlet hole 5111 a and the diameter of the drain outlet hole 5111 b. Accordingly, in the flow channel body 511, it may be easy to manufacture the drain inlet hole 5111 a and the drain outlet hole 5111 b. In addition, an inclination of the drain closing surface 5111 c may be easily set.

The inclination of the drain closing surface 5111 c may be formed at an acute angle with the extension direction of the first discharge pipe 531. Preferably, the angle of the inclination may be between 30 degrees and 50 degrees. That is, when the inclination of the drain closing surface 5111 c is great, as the size of the flow channel body 511 itself increases, the size of the drain pump itself may increase. Accordingly, while reducing the flow resistance of the water flowing through the drain flow passage 5111, it is possible to minimize the extension length of the drain flow passage 5111.

In addition, the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be inclined. Accordingly, when the circulation flow passage 5113 is opened, the water introduced through the circulation inlet hole 5113 a may be gently guided to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b. That is, the flow resistance of the water flowing through the circulation flow passage 5113 may be reduced. In addition, when the circulation flow passage 5113 is closed, a contact portion between the diaphragm 60 and the circulation closing surface 5113 c is increased, so that an amount of water guided to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b may be reduced as much as possible. Accordingly, the pump efficiency may be increased.

In addition, the drain flow passage 5111 may have sufficient extension length such that the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be inclined. That is, in the circulation body 511B, the shortest distance from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b may be greater than a sum of the diameter of the circulation inlet hole 5113 a and the diameter of the circulation outlet hole 5113 b. Accordingly, in the flow channel body 511, it may be easy to manufacture the circulation inlet hole 5113 a and the circulation outlet hole 5113 b. In addition, an inclination of the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be easily set.

The inclination of the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be formed at an acute angle with the extension direction of the second discharge pipe 533. Preferably, the angle of the inclination may be between 30 degrees and 50 degrees. That is, when the inclination of the circulation closing surface 5113 c is great, as the size of the flow channel body 511 itself increases, the size of the drain pump itself may increase. Accordingly, while reducing the flow resistance of the water flowing through the circulation flow passage 5113, it is possible to minimize the extension length of the circulation flow passage 5113.

In one example, the drain closing surface 5111 c may be inclined to correspond to the direction in which the water is introduced into the drain flow passage 5111. That is, the drain closing surface 5111 c may be inclined to correspond to the flow direction of water introduced into the drain inlet hole 5111 a. The flow direction of the water that has passed through the first discharge pipe 531 to the drain inlet hole 5111 a may be determined based on a shape of the first inlet 513. Specifically, when the first discharge pipe 531 is located lower than the drain flow passage 5111, the water may flow upwards. Accordingly, the drain closing surface 5111 c may be inclined upwards to get closer to the drain outlet hole 5111 b from the drain inlet hole 5111 a. As a result, the water is gently introduced into the drain flow passage 5111, so that the flow resistance may be reduced.

In addition, the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be inclined to correspond to the direction in which the water is introduced into the circulation flow passage 5113. That is, the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be inclined to correspond to the flow direction of water introduced into the circulation inlet hole 5113 a. The flow direction of the water that has passed through the second discharge pipe 533 to the circulation inlet hole 5113 a may be determined based on a shape of the second inlet 515. Specifically, when the second discharge pipe 533 is located lower than the circulation flow passage 5113, the water may flow upwards. Accordingly, the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be inclined upwards to get closer to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a. As a result, the water is gently introduced into the circulation flow passage 5113, so that the flow resistance may be reduced.

In one example, the diaphragm 60 may close the drain flow passage 5111 by being in contact with an end of the drain closing surface 5111 c when the impeller 537 rotates in one direction. In other words, instead of an entirety of one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 being in contact with the drain closing surface 5111 c to close the drain flow passage 5111, a portion of one surface of the diaphragm 60 and the end of the drain closing surface 5111 c may be in contact with each other to close the drain flow passage 5111. That is, one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 may make line contact with the drain closing surface 5111 c to close the drain flow passage 5111. The above-mentioned line contact may mean a minimum portion of one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 and a minimum portion of the drain closing surface 5111 c being in contact with each other to close the drain flow passage 5111 (that is, a line contact in a broader sense), not a line contact in a dictionary meaning.

As a result, the drain flow passage 5111 may be wider than in a case in which the drain closing surface 5111 c is closed by the entirety of one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 or through a surface contact, so that the size of the drain flow passage 5111 may be minimized in manufacturing the drain flow passage 5111. In addition, in selecting an elastic material of the diaphragm 60, a range of selection may be widened. Furthermore, the diaphragm 60 may be easily installed inside the flow channel body 511.

In addition, as described above, when the drain closing surface 5111 c is inclined, in the drain closing surface 5111 c, a portion (an area) in contact with one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 may be increased. Accordingly, the diaphragm 60 may more efficiently close the drain flow passage 5111.

In addition, the diaphragm 60 may close the circulation flow passage 5113 by being in contact with an end of the circulation closing surface 5113 c when the impeller 537 rotates in the other direction. In other words, instead of an entirety of the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 being in contact with the circulation closing surface 5113 c to close the circulation flow passage 5113, a portion of the other surface of the diaphragm and the end of the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be in contact with each other to close the circulation flow passage 5113. That is, the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 may make line contact with the circulation closing surface 5113 c to close the circulation flow passage 5113. The above-mentioned line contact may mean the minimum portion of one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 and the minimum portion of the drain closing surface 5111 c being in contact with each other to close the drain flow passage 5111 (that is, the line contact in a broader sense), not the line contact in the dictionary meaning.

As a result, the circulation flow passage 5113 may be wider than in a case in which the circulation closing surface 5113 c is closed by the entirety of the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 or through the surface contact, so that the size of the circulation body 511B may be minimized in manufacturing the circulation body 511B. In addition, in selecting the elastic material of the diaphragm 60, the range of selection may be widened. Furthermore, the diaphragm 60 may be easily installed inside the flow channel body 511.

In addition, as described above, when the circulation closing surface 5113 c is inclined, in the circulation closing surface 5113 c, a portion (an area) in contact with the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 may be increased. Accordingly, the diaphragm may more efficiently close the circulation flow passage 5113.

In one example, when the size of the flow channel body 511 is small, the size of the diaphragm 60 disposed inside the flow channel body 511 should also be small. Accordingly, it is preferable that the shape of the diaphragm 60 minimizes the flow resistance and is easily deformed by the applied pressure.

Accordingly, the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be constructed such that a cross-section of the diaphragm 60 corresponds to a cross-section of the flow channel body 511.

As described above, the extension direction H of the first discharge pipe 531 may be inclined with respect to the direction L from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b. In addition, the drain flow passage 5111 may have a length in the direction from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b greater than a length in the extension direction H of the first discharge pipe 531. Accordingly, the flow channel body 511 in which the drain flow passage 5111 is defined may have a length in the direction from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b greater than a length in the extension direction of the first discharge pipe 531. In other words, when the drain pump 50 is installed on the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10, the flow channel body 511 may have the length in the direction L parallel to the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10 greater than the length in the direction H away from the bottom surface of the cabinet 10.

The shape of the diaphragm 60 may correspond thereto. That is, the diaphragm 60 may have a length in the direction from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b greater than a length in the extension direction H of the first discharge pipe 531. In other words, the diaphragm 60 may have the length in the extension direction L of the drain flow passage 5111 greater than the length in the extension direction of the first discharge pipe 531. This may mean that the diaphragm 60 has the length in the direction L parallel to the bottom surface 11 of the cabinet 10 greater than the length in the direction H away from the bottom surface of the cabinet 10.

For convenience of description, the length of the diaphragm 60 in the extension direction L of the drain flow passage 5111 will be described as a horizontal length, and the length of the diaphragm 60 in the extension direction H of the first discharge pipe 531 will be described as a vertical length.

The diaphragm 60 may be formed in a rectangular shape in which the horizontal length is greater than the vertical length. Accordingly, a space efficiency of the flow channel body 511 may be increased compared to a case in which the diaphragm J is formed in a circular shape (see (a) in FIG. 7 ). That is, when the diaphragm 60 is formed in a rectangular shape (see (b) in FIG. 7 ), a vertical length L2 is smaller than a horizontal length L1, so that the dead space may be reduced by a predetermined distance L1-L2 based on the horizontal direction.

In addition, when the cross-section of the flow channel body 511 and the cross-section of the diaphragm 60 are formed to correspond to each other, the size of the flow channel body 511 itself may be reduced. That is, when a cross-section of the diaphragm J is formed in a circular shape, the flow channel body 511 has no choice but to increase the overall size thereof to accommodate the diaphragm J. That is, the vertical length L2 of the diaphragm 60 may be smaller than the horizontal length L1, and correspondingly, the size of the flow channel body 511 may be small. Thus, the size of the pump itself may be reduced as much as possible. In addition, in the manufacturing of the flow channel body 511 and the diaphragm 60, an amount of material used is reduced, which may be economically advantageous.

In one example, when the vertical length of the diaphragm 60 is smaller than the horizontal length, the deformation of the diaphragm 60 may be more difficult in the horizontal direction H than in the horizontal direction L. To solve this, the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a slit the diaphragm 60.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a slit defined in a diaphragm of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, (a) in FIG. 8 shows a slit defined in one surface of the diaphragm, (b) in FIG. 8 shows a slit defined in the other surface of the diaphragm, and (c) in FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing slits defined in one surface and the other surface of the diaphragm.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the diaphragm 60 may include slits 65 and 67.

Specifically, the diaphragm 60 may include a first recess 65 that is recessed in one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 facing the drain flow passage 5111. The first recess 65 may facilitate the pressure-dependent deformation of the diaphragm 60. Accordingly, it is possible to facilitate the closure of one of the drain flow passage 5111 and the circulation flow passage 5113 when the drain pump 50 is operating, and it is possible to facilitate the closure of the other of the drain flow passage 5111 and the circulation flow passage 5113 when the rotation of the impeller 537 is changed.

A recessed depth of the first recess 65 may be determined by considering a length from one surface 61 a to the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 (a thickness of the diaphragm). This is because when the first recess 65 is excessively recessed, the diaphragm 60 itself may be damaged by the pressure. Accordingly, a plurality of first recesss 65 may be defined.

Specifically, as described above, the deformation of the diaphragm 60 in the horizontal direction may be more difficult. The plurality of first recesss 65 may be defined to facilitate the vertical deformation of the diaphragm 60, and may be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the first discharge pipe 531 (the horizontal direction). In addition, the diaphragm 60 may need to be easily deformed in the horizontal direction depending on the material, the size, and the pressure used. The plurality of first recesss 65 may be defined to facilitate the horizontal deformation of the diaphragm 60, and may be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the drain flow passage 5111. That is, the first recesss 65 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction away from a center of the diaphragm 60.

In addition, the diaphragm 60 may include a second recess 67 that is recessed in the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 facing the circulation flow passage 5113. The second recess 67 may facilitate the pressure-dependent deformation of the diaphragm 60. Accordingly, it is possible to facilitate the closure of one of the drain flow passage 5111 and the circulation flow passage 5113 when the drain pump 50 is operating, and it is possible to facilitate the closure of the other of the drain flow passage 5111 and the circulation flow passage 5113 when the rotation of the impeller 537 is changed.

A recessed depth of the second recess 67 may be determined by considering the length from the other surface 61 b to one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 (the thickness of the diaphragm). This is because when the second recess 67 is excessively recessed, the diaphragm 60 itself may be damaged by the pressure. Accordingly, a plurality of second recesss 67 may be defined.

Specifically, as described above, the deformation of the diaphragm 60 in the horizontal direction may be more difficult. The plurality of second recesss 67 may be defined to facilitate the vertical deformation of the diaphragm 60, and may be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the second discharge pipe 533 (the horizontal direction). In addition, the diaphragm 60 may need to be easily deformed in the horizontal direction depending on the material, the size, and the pressure used. The plurality of second recesss 67 may be defined to facilitate the horizontal deformation of the diaphragm 60, and may be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the circulation flow passage 5113 (the horizontal direction). That is, the second recesss 67 may be spaced apart from each other in the direction away from the center of the diaphragm 60.

The first recess 65 may be defined to be prevented from being in contact with the drain closing surface 5111 c. That is, because the first recess 65 is recessed in one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60, when the first recess 65 comes into contact with the drain closing surface 5111 c, the water may leak through the first recess 65. Therefore, the water may be guided to the drain outlet hole 5111 b, so that the pump efficiency may be reduced. To prevent this, it is preferable that the first recess 65 is defined to be prevented from being in contact with the drain closing surface 5111 c.

That is, the first recess 65 may include a first contact surface 66 that is prevented from being recessed. The first contact surface 66 may have an inclination corresponding to that of the drain closing surface 5111 c. That is, as described above, the drain closing surface 5111 c may be inclined, so that the first contact surface 66 may have the inclination corresponding to that of the drain closing surface 5111 c. In addition, the first contact surface 66 may have a predetermined area. Even when the diaphragm 60 is deformed as the pressure is applied thereto, the deformation may not always be achieved in the same shape. Accordingly, the first contact surface 66 may have the predetermined area to prevent the water from being guided to the drain outlet hole 5111 b through the first recess 65. As a result, while the elastic deformation of the diaphragm 60 may be facilitated by the first recess 65, the pump efficiency may be increased by the first contact surface 66.

In addition, the second recess 67 may be defined to be prevented from being in contact with the circulation closing surface 5113 c. That is, because the second recess 67 is recessed in the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60, when the second recess 67 comes into contact with the circulation closing surface 5113 c, the water may leak through the second recess 67. Therefore, the water may be guided to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b, so that the pump efficiency may be reduced. To prevent this, it is preferable that the second recess 67 is defined to be prevented from being in contact with the circulation closing surface 5113 c.

That is, the second recess 67 may include a second contact surface 68 that is prevented from being recessed. The second contact surface 68 may have an inclination corresponding to that of the circulation closing surface 5113 c. That is, as described above, the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be inclined, so that the second contact surface 68 may have the inclination corresponding to that of the circulation closing surface 5113 c. In addition, the f second contact surface 68 may have a predetermined area. Even when the diaphragm 60 is deformed as the pressure is applied thereto, the deformation may not always be achieved in the same shape. Accordingly, the second contact surface 68 may have the predetermined area to prevent the water from being guided to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b through the second recess 67. As a result, while the elastic deformation of the diaphragm 60 may be facilitated by the second recess 67, the pump efficiency may be increased by the second contact surface 68.

Referring to (a) to (c) in FIG. 8 , the first recess 65 may be defined at a location different from that of the second recess 67. Specifically, a separation distance from a center O of the diaphragm 60 of the first recess 65 may be different from a separation distance from the center O of the diaphragm 60 of the second recess 67. That is, the recessed location of the first recess 65 in one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 may be misaligned from the recessed location of the second recess 67 in the other surface of the diaphragm 60. In other words, when the diaphragm 60 is viewed from the front, the recessed location of the first recess 65 may be misaligned from the recessed location of the second recess 67. When the recessed location of the first recess 65 in one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 is the same as the recessed location of the second recess 67 in the other surface of the diaphragm 60, a portion where the first recess 65 and the second recess 67 of the diaphragm 60 are defined may be thinner than the other portions. Accordingly, the recessed location of the first recess 65 may be misaligned from the recessed location of the second recess 67 to easily induce the deformation of the diaphragm 60, so that the structural rigidity of the diaphragm 60 may be maintained.

More specifically, when viewing the first recess 65 and the second recess 67, the first recess 65 may be defined in an elliptical shape. In addition, the first recess 65 may be defined intermittently. That is, a portion of the elliptical shape that is recessed may be the first recess 65, and a portion where the recession is prevented may be the first contact surface 66. In addition, the plurality of first recesss 65 may be defined to be spaced apart from each other in the direction away from the center of the diaphragm 60. In this case, the first contact surface 66 may extend diagonally from the center of the diaphragm 60 such that the inclination thereof corresponds to that of the drain closing surface 5111 c. In addition, the first contact surface 66 may extend in a direction symmetrical to the inclination thereof corresponding to that of the drain closing surface 5111 c. Accordingly, the first contact surface 66 may be formed in an ‘X-shape’. The first contact surface 66 may also extend in the direction symmetrical to the inclination thereof corresponding to that of the drain closing surface 5111 c, so that rigidity of a portion of one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 in contact with the drain closing surface 5111 c may be increased. In addition, the first contact surface 66 may maintain overall rigidity of the diaphragm 60 at a level equal to or higher than a certain level.

More specifically, the second recess 67 may be defined in an elliptical shape. In addition, the second recess 67 may be defined intermittently. That is, a portion of the elliptical shape that is recessed may be the second recess 67, and a portion where the recession is prevented may be the second contact surface 68. In addition, the plurality of second recesss 67 may be defined to be spaced apart from each other in the direction away from the center of the diaphragm 60. In this case, the second contact surface 68 may extend diagonally from the center of the diaphragm 60 such that the inclination thereof corresponds to that of the circulation closing surface 5113 c. In addition, the second contact surface 68 may extend in a direction symmetrical to the inclination thereof corresponding to that of the circulation closing surface 5113 c. Accordingly, the second contact surface 68 may be formed in an ‘X-shape’. The second contact surface 68 may also extend in the direction symmetrical to the inclination thereof corresponding to that of the circulation closing surface 5113 c, so that rigidity of a portion of the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 in contact with the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be increased. In addition, the second contact surface 68 may maintain the overall rigidity of the diaphragm 60 at the level equal to or higher than the certain level.

Furthermore, each of the first recess 65 and the second recess 67 may have a major axis and a minor axis with different lengths. That is, the first recess 65 and the second recess 67 are misaligned from the center of the diaphragm 60 to maintain the structural rigidity of the diaphragm 60 at the level equal to or higher than the certain level.

In one example, the diaphragm 60 made of the elastic material may have different degrees of protrusion in one direction and in the other direction. That is, the degrees of protrusion in the both directions may be different because of characteristics of the elastic material.

Accordingly, the flow channel body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have the drain closing surface and the circulation closing surface in consideration of the degree of deformation of the diaphragm.

FIG. 13 is a view and a graph showing that degrees of deformation of a diaphragm of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are different. FIG. 14 is a view showing that a drain closing surface and a circulation closing surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are formed differently.

Specifically, (a) in FIG. 13 shows that the diaphragm protrudes in one direction, (b) in FIG. 13 shows that the diaphragm protrudes in the other direction, (c) in FIG. 13 shows the degree of protrusion in the both directions from the center of the diaphragm, and (d) in FIG. 13 is a graph comparing the degrees of protrusion in the both directions from the center of the diaphragm with each other. In addition, (a) in FIG. 14 shows the drain pump, and (b) in FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the drain closing surface and the circulation closing surface in contact with the diaphragm.

More specifically, in (c) in FIG. 13 , portions shown by solid lines represent the degrees of protrusion deformation in one direction and the other direction, and a portion shown by a dotted line represents a shape symmetrical with the degree of protrusion deformation in one direction. In (d) in FIG. 13 , an X-axis represents the horizontal length of the diaphragm, and a Y-axis represents the degree of deformation with respect to the center of the diaphragm.

In the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the drain closing surface 5111 c and the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be formed differently depending on the degree of protrusion of the diaphragm 60.

Referring to (c) and (d) in FIG. 13 , the diaphragm 60 may be constructed such that the degree of protrusion deformation thereof in the case in which the impeller 537 rotates in one direction is greater than the degree of protrusion deformation thereof in the case in which the impeller 537 rotates in the other direction. Specifically, it may be seen that the degree of deformation is greatest at a central portion of the diaphragm 60. Accordingly, it may be desirable that portions of the drain closing surface 5111 c and the circulation closing surface 5113 c corresponding to the central portion of the diaphragm 60 have different shapes. More preferably, because there is a difference in the deformation throughout the diaphragm 60, profiles of entirety of the drain closing surface 5111 c and the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be asymmetric.

It is shown in (c) and (d) in FIG. 13 that a degree D1 of protrusion deformation during the rotation in one direction is greater than a degree D2 of protrusion deformation during the rotation in the other direction. However, contrary to the drawings, even when the degree D2 of protrusion deformation during the rotation in the other direction is greater than the degree D1 of protrusion deformation during the rotation in one direction, the same may be applied.

Specifically, the diaphragm 60 may have a degree of protrusion deformation toward the drain closing surface 5111 c in the case in which the impeller 537 rotates in one direction greater than a degree of protrusion deformation toward the circulation closing surface 5113 c in the case in which the impeller 537 rotates in the other direction. In this case, a distance K1 from the center of the diaphragm 60 to the circulation closing surface 5113 c in the direction L from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b may be smaller than a distance K2 from the center of the diaphragm 60 to the drain closing surface 5111 c in the direction from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b.

That is, portions shown by the solid line in (b) in FIG. 14 shows that the drain closing surface 5111 c and the circulation closing surface 5113 c are symmetrically formed. Portions shown by the dotted line shows that the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be formed inwardly of the drain closing surface 5111 c as the degree of deformation of the diaphragm 60 toward the circulation closing surface 5113 c is smaller than the degree of deformation of the diaphragm 60 toward the drain closing surface 5111 c.

Conversely, the diaphragm 60 may have the degree of protrusion deformation toward the drain closing surface 5111 c in the case in which the impeller 537 rotates in one direction smaller than the degree of protrusion deformation toward the circulation closing surface 5113 c in the case in which the impeller 537 rotates in the other direction. In this case, the distance K2 from the center O of the diaphragm 60 to the drain closing surface 5111 c in the direction from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b may be smaller than the distance K1 from the center O of the diaphragm 60 to the circulation closing surface 5113 c in the direction L from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b. That is, it may be opposite to that shown in (b) in FIG. 14 .

In addition, as described above, when the degrees of protrusion deformation in the both directions of the diaphragm 60 are different, it may be desirable that the drain closing surface 5111 c and the circulation closing surface 5113 c are formed to correspond thereto.

In one example, referring to FIG. 6 again, in the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the diaphragm may include a coupling portion. Specifically, the diaphragm 60 may include a coupling portion 63 coupled to the flow channel body 511. In addition, the diaphragm 60 may include a deformable portion 61 disposed inside the coupling portion 63. The deformable portion 61 may be deformed to protrude toward the drain flow passage 5111 or the circulation flow passage 5113 based on the rotation direction of the impeller 537. That is, the coupling portion 63 may be formed in a thin ring shape, and the deformable portion 61 may form the overall shape of the diaphragm 60.

In addition, the flow channel body 511 may include a coupling seating portion 5119 a recessed along a perimeter of the flow channel body 511 such that the coupling portion 63 may be seated thereon. The coupling seating portion 5119 a may be disposed in each of the drainage body 511A and the circulation body 511B. That is, in the diaphragm 60, the coupling portion 63 may be coupled between the coupling seating portion 5119 a of the drainage body 511A and the coupling seating portion 5119 a of the circulation body 511B.

Accordingly, the diaphragm 60 may be coupled to the flow channel body 511 without a separate component. Accordingly, the flow path selection part 51 may be easily manufactured.

A thickness of the coupling portion 63 may be greater than a thickness of the deformable portion 61. That is, the deformable portion 61 should be deformed based on the pressure, and the coupling portion 63 should fix the entire diaphragm 60 within the flow channel body 511. The coupling portion 63 may have a thickness equal to or greater than a predetermined thickness to strongly fix the diaphragm 60 within the flow channel body 511. In addition, as described above, the diaphragm 60 may be formed in the rectangular shape. In this case, because the coupling portion 63 forms an outermost portion of the diaphragm 60, the coupling portion 63 may be formed in the rectangular shape. In addition, the coupling portion 63 may be formed in a rounded shape. Accordingly, the diaphragm 60 made of the elastic material may be easily manufactured, and may be easily coupled to the coupling seating portion 5119 a.

The diaphragm 60 may further include a coupling protrusion 631 protruding from an outer surface of the coupling portion 63. In addition, the flow channel body 511 may further include a coupling protrusion seating portion 5119 b recessed at a location outward of the coupling seating portion 5119 a so as to be coupled with the coupling protrusion 631. The coupling protrusion 631 may be disposed at each of both ends of the coupling portion 63 in the extension direction of the first discharge pipe 531. In addition, the coupling protrusion seating portion 5119 b may be defined at each of both ends of the coupling seating portion 5119 a in the horizontal direction to correspond to the coupling portion 63. Accordingly, the diaphragm 60 may be more strongly coupled within the flow channel body 511 by the coupling portion 63 and the coupling protrusion seating portion 5119 b. In addition, the diaphragm 60 may be coupled within the flow channel body 511 in a balanced manner. The coupling protrusion 631 may protrude toward the drainage body 511A or the circulation body 511B. In addition, the coupling protrusion seating portion 5119 b may be defined in the drainage body 511A or the circulation body 511B to correspond to the protrusion direction of the coupling protrusion 631.

In one example, referring to FIG. 6 , the drainage body 511A may be integrally formed with the first inlet 513 and the first outlet 517. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the process as much as possible in manufacturing the flow path selection part 51. In addition, as the process is reduced, costs may be saved and time may be reduced. In addition, the circulation body 511B may be integrally formed with the second inlet 515 and the second outlet 519. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the process as much as possible in manufacturing the flow path selection part 51. In addition, as the process is reduced, the costs may be saved and the time may be reduced.

In addition, the drainage body 511A may include a first fastening hole 5119 d for the coupling with the circulation body 511B. The first fastening hole 5119 d may be defined along a perimeter of the drainage body 511A. The circulation body 511B may include a second fastening hole 5139 d at a location corresponding to that of the first fastening hole 5119 d. A fastening member (not shown) may be inserted into the first fastening hole 5119 d and the second fastening hole 5139 d to couple the drainage body 511A and the circulation body 511B to each other. In addition, the circulation body 511B may further include a body coupling portion 5139 c protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the circulation body 511B toward the drainage body 511A. The drainage body 511A may have a body coupling groove 5119 c such that the body coupling portion 5139 c may be coupled at a location corresponding to the body coupling portion 5139 c. Accordingly, the drainage body 511A may have a strong coupling force with the circulation body 511B.

Referring to FIGS. 15, 16, and 6 , the first discharge pipe 531 may be inserted into and coupled to the first inlet 513. In addition, a first inlet fastening hole 513 a that may be coupled to the pump housing 53 may be defined in an outer peripheral surface of the first inlet 513. In addition, the second discharge pipe 533 may be inserted into and coupled to the second inlet 515. In addition, a second inlet fastening hole 515 a that may be coupled to the pump housing 53 may be defined in an outer peripheral surface of the second inlet 515. The pump housing 53 may have a first pump fastening hole (not shown) corresponding to the first inlet fastening hole 513 a and a second pump fastening hole (not shown) corresponding to the second inlet fastening hole 515 a. By inserting the fastening member into the first inlet fastening hole 513 a and the first pump fastening hole, the flow path selection part 51 may be coupled to the pump housing 53. In addition, by inserting the fastening member into the second inlet fastening hole 515 a and the second pump fastening hole, the flow path selection part 51 may be coupled to the pump housing 53.

In one example, referring to (b) in FIG. 15 and (b) in FIG. 16 , the drainage body 511A may extend from the drain inlet hole 5111 a to the drain outlet hole 5111 b, and may have the recessed portion. The recessed portion may have the drain closing surface 5111 c. Thus, the contact between the diaphragm 60 and the drain closing surface 5111 c may be facilitated. In addition, the overall size of the flow channel body 511 may be reduced, so the overall size of the drain pump 50 may be reduced. In addition, the drainage body 511A may extend with the certain width. In this case, it would be preferable for the drain closing surface 5111 c to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the drainage body 511A.

In addition, the circulation body 511B may extend from the circulation inlet hole 5113 a to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b, and may have the recessed portion. The recessed portion may have the circulation closing surface 5113 c. Thus, the contact between the diaphragm 60 and the circulation closing surface 5113 c may be facilitated. In addition, the overall size of the flow channel body 511 may be reduced, so the overall size of the drain pump 50 may be reduced. In addition, the circulation body 511B may extend with the certain width. In this case, it would be preferable for the circulation closing surface 5113 c to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the circulation body 511B.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, 12, and 15 , the circulation process will be described. It may be necessary to circulate the water in the drum 30 during the washing process. In this case, the water may flow into the pump inlet pipe 5381 through the tub drainage pipe 75. The water that has passed through the pump inlet pipe 5381 may be introduced into the impeller housing 535 through the impeller inlet pipe. The water introduced into the impeller housing 535 may come into contact with the impeller 537. When the impeller 537 rotates in one direction C1, the water in the impeller housing 535 may be guided to the second inlet 515 through the second discharge pipe 533. The water that has passed through the second inlet 515 may apply pressure to the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60. As a result, one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60 may come into contact with the drain closing surface 5111 c and close the drain flow passage 5111. That is, the drain closing surface 5111 c may prevent the water from being guided to the drain outlet hole 5111 b by the diaphragm 60 as much as possible. In addition, the circulation flow passage 5113 defined between the inner peripheral surface of the circulation body 511B and the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 may be opened. The water that has passed through the circulation flow passage 5113 may be guided to the second outlet 519. The water that has passed through the second outlet 519 may be guided into the tub 20 through the tub circulation pipe 71.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, 12, and 16 , the drainage process will be described. It may be necessary to drain the water in the tub 20 to the outside of the cabinet 10 during the washing process. In this case, the water may flow into the pump inlet pipe 5381 through the tub drainage pipe 75. The water that has passed through the pump inlet pipe 5381 may be introduced into the impeller housing 535 through the impeller inlet pipe. The water introduced into the impeller housing 535 may come into contact with the impeller 537. When the impeller 537 rotates in the other direction, the water in the impeller housing 535 may be guided to the first inlet 513 through the first discharge pipe 531. The water introduced into the first discharge pipe 531 may be guided to the first inlet 513. The water that has passed through the first inlet 513 may apply pressure to one surface 61 a of the diaphragm 60. As a result, the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 may come into contact with the circulation closing surface 5113 c and close the circulation flow passage 5113. That is, the circulation closing surface 5113 c may prevent the water from being guided to the circulation outlet hole 5113 b by the diaphragm 60 as much as possible. In addition, the drain flow passage 5111 defined between the inner peripheral surface of the drainage body 511A and the other surface 61 b of the diaphragm 60 may be opened. The water that has passed through the drain flow passage 5111 may be guided to the outside of the cabinet 10 through the first outlet 517.

In one example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 , the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be constructed such that the drain pump is adjacent to a front surface and a side surface of the cabinet. Accordingly, the first outlet 517 may extend to be inclined with the drainage body 511A. That is, because the drainage outlet pipe 73 is generally located at a rear portion of the cabinet the first outlet 517 may be disposed to facilitate the connection between the first outlet 517 and the drainage outlet pipe 73. For the convenience of the manufacturing, the first outlet 517 may be disposed to be perpendicular to the drainage body 511A.

In addition, the second outlet 519 may extend in parallel with the circulation body 511B. The first outlet 517 extends vertically from the flow channel body 511 to one side, so that the second outlet 519 may extend in parallel with the circulation body 511B for efficient space utilization. In addition, the second outlet 519 may come into close with the tub 20 as it extends in parallel with the circulation body 511B, so that the second outlet 519 may be easily coupled with the tub circulation pipe 71. As used herein, ‘in parallel with’ does not mean ‘mathematically in parallel with’, but means ‘substantially in parallel with’, and is a concept including tolerances or including ‘substantially in parallel with’.

Hereinabove, representative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, but those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs will understand that various modifications are possible for the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiment, and should be defined not only by the claims described below, but also by equivalents thereof. 

1. A laundry treating apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a tub disposed in the cabinet to provide a space for storing water therein; a drum disposed to be rotatable in the tub and accommodating clothes therein; and a drain pump located under the tub, wherein the drain pump discharges water in the tub to the outside of the cabinet or circulates water to the tub, wherein the drain pump comprises: a pump housing in communication with the tub to receive water from the tub, wherein the pump housing accommodates an impeller therein; a first discharge passage extending from the pump housing and defined at a side where water is discharged by rotation of the impeller; a second discharge passage spaced apart from the first discharge passage, wherein the second discharge passage extends from the pump housing and is defined at the side where water is discharged by the rotation of the impeller; and a flow path selection part connected to the first discharge passage and the second discharge passage, wherein the flow path selection part is provided to discharge water to the outside of the cabinet or to circulate water to the tub based on a rotation direction of the impeller, wherein the flow path selection part comprises: a first inlet in communication with the first discharge passage, wherein water discharged from the first discharge passage is introduced into the first inlet; a second inlet in communication with the second discharge passage, wherein water discharged from the second discharge passage is introduced into the second inlet; a first outlet in communication with the outside of the cabinet to guide water that has passed through the first inlet to the outside of the cabinet; a second outlet in communication with the tub to guide water that has passed through the second inlet to the tub; a flow channel body including a drain flow passage having a drain inlet hole in communication with the first inlet and a drain outlet hole in communication with the first outlet defined therein, and a circulation flow passage having a circulation inlet hole in communication with the second inlet and a circulation outlet hole in communication with the second outlet defined therein; and a diaphragm accommodated inside the flow channel body to partition the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage from each other, wherein the diaphragm closes the drain flow passage or closes the circulation flow passage based on the rotation direction of the impeller, wherein a direction from the drain inlet hole to the drain outlet hole is inclined with an extension direction of the first discharge passage, wherein a direction from the circulation inlet hole to the circulation outlet hole is inclined with an extension direction of the second discharge passage.
 2. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein an extension length of the drain flow passage in the direction from the drain inlet hole to the drain outlet hole is greater than a diameter of the drain flow passage, wherein an extension length of the circulation flow passage in the direction from the circulation inlet hole to the circulation outlet hole is greater than a diameter of the circulation flow passage.
 3. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the drain flow passage is defined in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first discharge passage, wherein the circulation flow passage is defined in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second discharge passage.
 4. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe extend in a direction away from a bottom surface of the cabinet, wherein the drain flow passage and the circulation flow passage are defined in parallel with the bottom surface of the cabinet.
 5. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the drain inlet hole is spaced apart from the drain outlet hole in a direction in parallel with the bottom surface of the cabinet, wherein the circulation inlet hole is spaced apart from the circulation outlet hole in the direction in parallel with the bottom surface of the cabinet.
 6. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow channel body further comprises: a drain closing surface disposed on one surface defining the drain flow passage, wherein the drain closing surface is able to be in contact with the diaphragm when the impeller rotates in one direction; and a circulation closing surface disposed on the other surface defining the circulation flow passage, wherein the circulation closing surface is able to be in contact with the diaphragm when the impeller rotates in the other direction.
 7. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the drain closing surface is disposed to be inclined in an extension direction of the drain flow passage, wherein the circulation closing surface is disposed to be inclined in an extension direction of the circulation flow passage.
 8. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the drain closing surface is inclined to correspond to a flow direction of water introduced into the drain flow passage, wherein the circulation closing surface is inclined to correspond to a flow direction of water introduced into the circulation flow passage.
 9. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the diaphragm is configured to: come into contact with an end of the drain closing surface and close the drain flow passage when the impeller rotates in a first direction; and come into contact with an end of the circulation closing surface and close the drain flow passage when the impeller rotates in a second direction.
 10. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the diaphragm is configured such that: a degree of protrusion deformation toward the drain closing surface in a case where the impeller rotates in a first direction is greater than a degree of protrusion deformation toward the circulation closing surface in a case where the impeller rotates in a second direction; and a separation distance from a center of the diaphragm to the drain closing surface is greater than a separation distance from the center of the diaphragm to the circulation closing surface.
 11. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the diaphragm is constructed such that: a degree of protrusion deformation toward the drain closing surface in the case where the impeller rotates in said one direction is smaller than a degree of protrusion deformation toward the circulation closing surface in the case where the impeller rotates in the other direction; and a separation distance between the diaphragm and the drain closing surface is smaller than a separation distance between the diaphragm and the circulation closing surface when the diaphragm is located at a reference location.
 12. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein a shape of a cross-section of the diaphragm corresponds to a shape of a cross-section of the flow channel body.
 13. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 12, wherein a length of the diaphragm along a first direction, an extension direction of the drain flow passage, is greater than a length of the diaphragm along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
 14. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 13, wherein the diaphragm comprises: a first recess defined by being recessed in one surface of the diaphragm facing toward the drain flow passage; and a second recess defined by being recessed in the other surface of the diaphragm facing toward the circulation flow passage.
 15. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first recess and the second recess includes a plurality of first recesss and a plurality of second recesss, respectively, wherein each first recess and each second recess are defined to be spaced apart from each other, wherein the first recess and the second recess are defined at locations not overlapping each other in a plan view.
 16. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein the flow channel body further comprises: a drain closing surface disposed on said one surface defining the drain flow passage, wherein the drain closing surface is able to be in contact with the diaphragm when the impeller rotates in one direction; and a circulation closing surface disposed on the other surface defining the circulation flow passage, wherein the circulation closing surface is able to be in contact with the diaphragm when the impeller rotates in the other direction, wherein the first recess is defined avoiding the drain closing surface so as not to be in contact with the drain closing surface, wherein the second recess is defined avoiding the circulation closing surface so as not to be in contact with the circulation closing surface.
 17. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 16, wherein the diaphragm comprises: a first contact surface disposed on said one surface, wherein the first recess is not defined in the first contact surface; and a second contact surface disposed on the other surface, wherein the second recess is not defined in the second contact surface, wherein the first contact surface has an inclination corresponding to an inclination of the drain closing surface, wherein the second contact surface has an inclination corresponding to an inclination of the circulation closing surface.
 18. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein a location where the first recess is defined in said one surface of the diaphragm is misaligned from a location where the second recess is defined in the other surface of the diaphragm in a direction away from a center of the diaphragm.
 19. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm comprises: a coupling portion coupled to the flow channel body; and a deformable portion disposed inside the coupling portion and deformable to protrude toward the drain flow passage or the circulation flow passage based on the rotation direction of the impeller, wherein the flow channel body includes a coupling seating portion recessed along a perimeter of the flow channel body such that the coupling portion may be seated thereon.
 20. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 19, wherein the diaphragm further comprises a coupling protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the coupling portion, wherein the flow channel body further comprises a coupling protrusion seating portion recessed at a location outward of the coupling seating portion so as to be coupled with the coupling protrusion. 